Audi announce signing of former Mercedes figure

Stake F1 has announced the signing of Stefan Strähnz as Programme Director ahead of Audi's 2026 arrival when the new power unit regulations are introduced. 

Strähnz joins the Hinwil-based outfit from Mercedes, who he spent 13 years working for. His official start date has been confirmed as October 1st this year, with him reporting to Sauber Group CEO Andreas Seidl.

It is a key signing, with Strähnz bringing with him over 20 years' experience in F1, having previously worked for Toyota, BAR, Renault, Lotus, and, most recently, Mercedes.

Strähnz will help the team prepare for its transformation into an Audi factory outfit, which will produce its own engines. 

“I am immensely proud and excited to join the talented people at Sauber Motorsport on our exciting journey to become the Audi F1 factory team in 2026," said Strähnz. 

"I have experienced a similar journey in my previous roles, and I will be applying all my learnings and energy into this new and challenging programme to develop the required tools, processes and culture for sustainable long- term on- and off-track success. 

"It is a true privilege to join such an iconic brand as Audi with all its previous technology and motorsport achievements. I look forward to taking a leadership role in our ambitious targets to win championships in F1.”

During his F1 career, Strähnz has held various positions, from engineering roles to leadership spots, to most recently moving into operational and organisational strategy development and
implementation.

His experience, is viewed by the Sauber Motorsport group as crucial to helping the outfit transition from Stake F1 to Audi in 2026.

As outlined by Seidl, Strähnz will work on F1 car programmes, from getting concepts from the factory to on the racetrack. 

“I am delighted to welcome Stefan to the team, and I am sure that he will bring an incredible amount of experience from his previous roles, in which he won multiple races and championships, to further complement and strengthen our leadership team," said Seidl.

"With his unique experience, Stefan will play a vital role in driving the team’s overall effectiveness and prepare us on our journey to full finance regulation optimisation as we become the Audi F1 factory team. 

"Working closely with myself, the management team and all our expanding technical, operational and finance departments, Stefan’s main mission is to deliver fully streamlined and optimised F1 car programmes, from concept through to track introduction.”